Foundation’s grant will help fight hunger in York County

YORK COUNTY — Partners for a Hunger-Free York County (Partners) recently received a $33,000 grant from the Virginia Hodgkins Somers Foundation.

This is the second award that the coalition has gotten from the Foundation. The grant will be used to sustain and grow Partners, which pilots innovative, community-based responses to hunger.

Partners for a Hunger-Free York County is a coalition of people and organizations in York County, working to identify needs, mobilize resources, and create innovative, sustainable solutions to ending hunger in the county. There are approximately 26,000 “food insecure” individuals in York County alone, with 10,000 children qualifying for free or reduced-cost lunches at school.

United Way of York County is a member of Partners, and also serves as the backbone organization and fiscal agent for the coalition. On Oct. 24th, Partners and other groups marked National Food Day by highlighting hunger, and fresh, healthy foods, at events in Sanford, Biddeford, and Saco. Food Day is a nationwide celebration and a movement for healthy, affordable, and sustainable food.

The Somers Foundation is a private organization that supports charities primarily located in Southern Maine, and is focused on programs involving education at all levels and assisting individuals with the improvement of their lives through education.

To learn more about Partners for a Hunger-Free York County, visit online at www.buildcommunity.org. For more information about Food Day, go to www.foodday.org.